The Diagnostic Process
During a physical exam the doctor will look for the outward signs of leukemia, such as swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen. The doctor might suspect leukemia based on such signs, but to properly diagnose the disease and to determine the exact type of leukemia present, further tests are necessary. In most cases, the doctor will need to take blood and bone marrow samples and perform several laboratory tests on the samples. These tests can uncover important characteristics of the patient's condition, such as:
- Blood counts, or the number of blood cells of each type that are found in a sample.
- Morphology of the cells, or what they look like under a microscope. For example, it might be possible to determine the level of maturity and whether or not certain structures are present, which can sometimes indicate the type of leukemia present.
- Immunologic properties of the cells - characteristic markers that can indicate what type of leukemia is present.
- Histochemical properties of the cells - certain characteristics that can be revealed through the use of stains.
- Cytogenetic properties of the cells, or chromosomal and genetic abnormalities.
Results for some tests are available very quickly, while others take a few days or more. Some of these tests, because they reveal specific characteristics of the disease, are also helpful in determining the best course of treatment.
Some are also used throughout the course of treatment to monitor a patient's response to therapy and susceptibility to infection.
Some questions to ask the doctor about procedures:
- What will this procedure reveal about my condition?
- Do I need to do anything to prepare?
- What can I expect during the procedure? Will it be painful or uncomfortable? Will I need any pain medication?
- How much recovery time is needed? Are there any known side effects?
